In case you are wondering what happens if you get charged with street racing...

[SpeedBaby]

Not sure if many of you remember this story (http://torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21081&highlight=charged+street+racing+civic) (personal issues aside). It went around the GTA car forums a couple of years ago, shortly after the introduction of the street racing law.

A couple of days ago I find out that the charges against driver of that civic have been completely dismissed (which is great) HOWEVER turns out that under that amazing law all the expenses that he incurred during the ordealDO NOT GET REIMBURSED. And I'm not even talking about the raised insurance premiums due to the 7 day license suspension or the cost or having to pay for alternative ways of transportation while still paying for your own car. I'm talking about the impound and towing fees that the driver had to pay due to the poor judgement of 1 police officer who has been given the power of roadside prosecution!

Now there have been many arguments about the pros and cons of this law and all the different opinions have been voiced. But what bothers me the most is that here in Canada, who's official representatives scream at any international summits about the basic constitutional human rights and reprove various countries for violating them, it's over here that we had our basic right to a fair trial and representation revoked. At least if I have to be prosecuted on the spot I would like it to be done by someone who has made an effort to study for 9 years and pass the bar rather than some potential punk who was taught by a gov't representative how to shoot a gun for a couple of years (yes i AM gravely exaggerating here but i'm just gonna exercise my freedom of speech right, while i still have it).

[mazda lover]

Not sure if many of you remember this story (http://torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21081&highlight=charged+street+racing+civic) (personal issues aside). It went around the GTA car forums a couple of years ago, shortly after the introduction of the street racing law.

A couple of days ago I find out that the charges against driver of that civic have been completely dismissed (which is great) HOWEVER turns out that under that amazing law all the expenses that he incurred during the ordealDO NOT GET REIMBURSED. And I'm not even talking about the raised insurance premiums due to the 7 day license suspension or the cost or having to pay for alternative ways of transportation while still paying for your own car. I'm talking about the impound and towing fees that the driver had to pay due to the poor judgement of 1 police officer who has been given the power of roadside prosecution!

Now there have been many arguments about the pros and cons of this law and all the different opinions have been voiced. But what bothers me the most is that here in Canada, who's official representatives scream at any international summits about the basic constitutional human rights and reprove various countries for violating them, it's over here that we had our basic right to a fair trial and representation revoked. At least if I have to be prosecuted on the spot I would like it to be done by someone who has made an effort to study for 9 years and pass the bar rather than some potential punk who was taught by a gov't representative how to shoot a gun for a couple of years (yes i AM gravely exaggerating here but i'm just gonna exercise my freedom of speech right, while i still have it).

do we know why the charges was dismissed? the driver should counter sue for damages...even if the law is not to every bodies liking...... play by the rules so you don't get into that situation, not worth it...

[Halogen]

Yah, counter sue, but make damn sure you have the documents to support your claim.

SpeedBaby - I totally agree with everything you just wrote and would like to add that laws based under the notion of probability should never carry such a huge punishment. The only reason they introduced the law, I assume, was because they "built" statistics which said "cars crash more at high speeds" and thus, the probability is increased and lives are at risk.

I do however agree that some sort of punishment should occur, because, well, I know from personal experience, it taught me. I don't speed like I used too and calmed way down after my ordeal. I still think it's unfair and people are getting in A LOT more trouble then they can handle or afford.

What about these young guys, who just manage to buy their first "good" car, worked their asses off at low wage and steal your life hours. What is the probability of them losing their jobs, and the probability of them having a chance of a good future. Do they stop to consider that ? These guys who peddle fortunes and support unjust laws ? They cater to the elderly and middle aged who pay more taxes and provide more votes. They bend over to the insurance companies who monopolize off these laws. I say, **** them and their greed.

Thanks for reading...

[Big Dad]

Wow it's about time someone else put another perspective on this rediculous law. There is no recourse if you are eventually found not guilty of these "street racing" charges. All I hear on these forums is how stupid theses suspects are and that they deserve the full extent of the penalty of the law. Well I hope for their sakes that they never get charged with these allogations like "drive by civic", get caught with illegal street racing modifications like a cat back exhaust or aftermarket rims or my personal favorite, doing 300 km/hr in an 80 zone in your moms minivan because karma is a bitch.

[Dan Da Man]

maybe i read this first post wrong.... correct me if i am wrong speed baby

International summits and constitutional rights...wtf?... driving is a priviledge and not a right. last time i checked, i think it says that in the HTA somewhere in the front. i don't know the story with this guy but just because you beat a stunting or driving charge doesnt mean the government has to pay for how you got off it. what about people who pay for ex coppers to represent them and get them off tickets, should the courts pay them back too?

[SpeedBaby]

maybe i read this first post wrong.... correct me if i am wrong speed baby

International summits and constitutional rights...wtf?... driving is a priviledge and not a right.

street racing is a criminal charge and as in case with any criminal charge canadian citizens have a constitutional right to a fair trial and legal representation. i am not arguing that driving privileges can be revoked, but the fact that ppl get charged without a judge thus neglecting the presumption of innocence which up to now has been the basis of the judicial system.

[Shawn]

maybe i read this first post wrong.... correct me if i am wrong speed baby

and constitutional rights...wtf?...

I think the point is fair trail and due process here, whether it is a privilege or a right.
Take it one crazy step more, would you like this to apply to alleged murders and your summary execution.
Anybody want Judge Dredd!!

[Dan Da Man]

Street racing/stunting is a highway traffic act charge, dangerous driving is a criminal charge.